Before I jumped into the adventures of Messrs Spader and Russell, I did get a chance to watch the Buffs do exactly what I feared they'd do when faced with a squad like Arizona.* While the Buffs were able to scrap a bit to keep it close, even into the start of the 2nd half, by the end of the game their energy and composure had run out.* The 71-57 final probably ends any hope of an at-large bid to the Dance.

CU just couldn't stay with Arizona down the stretch.* From: the BDC

The game did start alright, with the Buffs building a 5-point lead in the first six minutes, but CU quickly fell behind before halftime, finding themselves lucky to be down only six at the break. *With both teams shooting 40% from the field at half, a 12% gap opened up in the second half sealed the result.

It certainly didn't help that the Wildcats shot 21 more free throws than the Buffs did.* With the Buffs so reliant on getting to the line, that kind of freebie disparity is a recipe for disaster.*

One big positive is that the Buffs once again held the 3-reliant 'Cats to sub-par shooting from beyond the arc.* Kenpom may have shown ($) that 3-point defense is luck dependent, but I can't help but notice that CU has held 'Zona to 6-36 3-point shooting in two games.* That's a full 20 points below their season average.*

Additionally, 'Dre did get yet another double-double, but CU was crushed on*the*boards by 12.* The Buffs seemed to struggle all night with finding the bottom of the net, shooting a paltry 37% from the floor.*

Eventually, this program needs to grow to the point that it can win games like last night.* Until then, the Buffs are just an average team with a very strong homecourt advantage.

--

That disappointing result is in the past now, and focus must be turned onto the struggling ASU Sun Devils. *It is beyond vital that CU bounce back from the Tucson*disappointment, and reclaim some momentum before next week's trip to Utah. *Tomorrow's contest in Tempe appears very winnable on paper, and is essential to the Buffs chances of getting a first round bye in the conference tournament, and grabbing a 20th win.

Before I jumped into the adventures of Messrs Spader and Russell, I did get a chance to watch the Buffs do exactly what I feared they'd do when faced with a squad like Arizona.* While the Buffs were able to scrap a bit to keep it close, even into the start of the 2nd half, by the end of the game their energy and composure had run out.* The 71-57 final probably ends any hope of an at-large bid to the Dance.

CU just couldn't stay with Arizona down the stretch.* From: the BDC

The game did start alright, with the Buffs building a 5-point lead in the first six minutes, but CU quickly fell behind before halftime, finding themselves lucky to be down only six at the break. *With both teams shooting 40% from the field at half, a 12% gap opened up in the second half sealed the result.

It certainly didn't help that the Wildcats shot 21 more free throws than the Buffs did.* With the Buffs so reliant on getting to the line, that kind of freebie disparity is a recipe for disaster.*

One big positive is that the Buffs once again held the 3-reliant 'Cats to sub-par shooting from beyond the arc.* Kenpom may have shown ($) that 3-point defense is luck dependent, but I can't help but notice that CU has held 'Zona to 6-36 3-point shooting in two games.* That's a full 20 points below their season average.*

Additionally, 'Dre did get yet another double-double, but CU was crushed on*the*boards by 12.* The Buffs seemed to struggle all night with finding the bottom of the net, shooting a paltry 37% from the floor.*

Eventually, this program needs to grow to the point that it can win games like last night.* Until then, the Buffs are just an average team with a very strong homecourt advantage.

--

That disappointing result is in the past now, and focus must be turned onto the struggling ASU Sun Devils. *It is beyond vital that CU bounce back from the Tucson*disappointment, and reclaim some momentum before next week's trip to Utah. *Tomorrow's contest in Tempe appears very winnable on paper, and is essential to the Buffs chances of getting a first round bye in the conference tournament, and grabbing a 20th win.